During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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